The USCTrojans' defense needs to see some improvement from many key contributors following the off week. That can start with the linebackers stepping up. If Desman Stephens II or Deven Bryant can take their game up a notch, this defense can get closer to its ceiling. Against the upcoming schedule, the Trojans cannot afford the same level of run defense that has shown up to this point in the season.

Here are my midseason report card grades for the USC Trojans' linebackers:

Desman Stephens II - B

Desman Stephens II's biggest moment this season was his targeting foul against Oregon. That was a very poor play on his part, and he did not represent the program like a player of his caliber should. For most of the season, he has racked up a ton of tackles. Against Penn State, following his suspension, he showed up. Stephens had 9 total tackles. Stephens is going to fly all across the field and be a heat-seeking missile. There is still another gear he can reach to become that star defender. If he can elevate his game further and be the leader this defense needs, the Trojans' defense can be better than just an average unit.

Deven Bryant - B

Bryant has so far held his own. He is a sure tackler, and most of his highlight plays come from just making tackles. He will not be excellent in coverage, nor will he create turnovers. He is a veteran linebacker who can hold down the fort in his role. He has provided the Trojans with stability and someone that they can count on. He is not a star, and at times opposing offenses can turn him into a liability. Without Bryant the defense would give up a lot more on the ground and through the air.

Ta'Mere Robinson - A

When Robinson got his shot, he took full advantage of his opportunity. Against Washington, he even looked better than Stephens at times. He had 6 tackles and a sack when filling in for Stephens. He has shown that when his number is called, he can fill in and dominate in a starter role. At some point, I would not be surprised if he ends up being one of the starters in this position group at the end of the season.

Jadyn Walker - C+

Jadyn Walker has all the traits and intangibles to be the best linebacker in this room. Injuries have gotten in the way, and he also hasn't taken over one of the starting spots. Last season he started 5 games as a freshman. He should be one of the top guys in this room. His coverage skills are the best in the group; he is exactly what would improve the Trojans' linebacker play. Things just haven't panned out that way for him. I want to see some more of him the rest of the way this season. He can still be a key contributor on the Trojans' defense.

Overall grade for the position group - B-

This unit is good enough to get the job done, but when the Trojans face a team more physically imposing than they are, they get exposed. The defensive line for the Trojans creates a lot more opportunity for the linebackers. If the Trojans' defensive line were not at that level, the linebacker room would be more of a liability. In coverage on passing downs, the linebackers really show their weaknesses. This is a unit that is good enough to keep the defense afloat, but for this defense to be a dominant group, the linebackers have to play better. The linebackers could very well make or break how the rest of the season goes for USC.